Bed bugs are not a sign of dirt or neglect: they travel in luggage, second-hand furniture and between adjoining homes. Reacting quickly and correctly in the first 24 hours shapes how hard the treatment will be.
Confirming the presence before acting
Look for three signs: small black stains (droppings) on the mattress seams and box spring, blood spots on the sheets, and bites in a line on areas exposed during sleep.
Inspect the mattress seams, behind the headboard, the skirting boards near the bed and electrical outlets. Bed bugs avoid light and hide within two metres of the sleeper.
The right moves for the first 24 hours
Wash bedding and clothing at 60°C minimum, then tumble-dry on a high heat setting: the heat kills eggs and adults.
Put anything that can't be washed into airtight bags for the duration of treatment. Vacuum the seams and immediately throw the bag away outside.
Don't move the mattress or furniture to other rooms: it's the number one way infestations spread through a home.
What not to do
Don't throw the mattress out on the pavement: you'll scatter the infestation and announce it to the neighbourhood without solving it.
Don't buy an over-the-counter insecticide spray: misused, it scatters bed bugs into neighbouring rooms and builds resistance that complicates professional treatment.
When to call a professional
As soon as you have visual confirmation. Bed bugs don't disappear on their own, and a DIY treatment fails in the vast majority of cases.
Antinox combines heat treatment with professional insecticide, with a follow-up check to break the reproduction cycle. In an adjoining flat, coordinated treatment of neighbouring homes prevents reinfestation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get rid of them?
Plan on two visits spaced two to three weeks apart to cover egg hatching. A follow-up check is included to confirm eradication.
Do I need to leave my home?
No, for a standard treatment. For heat treatment, the room is off-limits for just a few hours.